Garissa, Kenya: A terror suspect, who was under interrogation, snatched a rifle from a military officer and tried to escape while engaging them in a fierce and dramatic shoot out before he was recaptured in Garissa Town.
Officials said the suspect was being interrogated Tuesday after being arrested on terror suspicion, when he suddenly grabbed a G3 rifle from one of the officers and escaped to a nearby hotel.
From the hotel, he started to engage the officers in a shootout for almost 20 minutes as locals fled to safety during the 1pm incident.
North Eastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said no one was injured in the drama that lasted over 20 minutes.
“He ran out of bullets before being recaptured. He had been arrested for questioning for planning terror attacks and he is a member of Al-Shabaab,” said Saleh.
He added that the situation was under control.
Witnesses said the incident happened at a military camp.
The witnesses further said two people had tried to enter the military camp before they were spotted and repulsed. One was arrested while the accomplice
The one who had been arrested was under interrogation, when he suddenly grabbed the weapon and engaged the personnel in a shootout.
Another official, who asked not to be named, said the suspect was shot and wounded in the leg before being recaptured.
Military spokesman Col David Obonyo confirmed the incident and said they are investigating the matter.
Military personnel were later seen patrolling the town for a short while as they assured residents that the incident was under control.
The incident caused panic in the town with many sending messages saying they were under siege.
The weapons recovered from the suspects included three AK-47 rifles, 227 rounds of ammunition, seven rocket-propelled grenades, four magazines and four hand grenades.
Police also recovered a metallic IED carrier, soldering wire and several mobile phones, which they say were to be used in the attacks.
